Anemia happens when there is a decrease in the production of hemoglobin or red blood cells or destruction of the cells itself. Anemia can also be a result of other underlying problems such as ulcer. Treating and preventing anemia can be effectively done when the root cause is known and is treated. So if ulcer is the cause of anemia, then ulcer must be treated and prevented. However, when anemia is caused by iron, folate and vitamin B12 deficiency, then it can be easily cured and prevented by proper diet and supplements.
What Are The Symptoms Of Anemia?
Anemic people may not or seldom suffer or observe any symptoms; however, there are those that experience symptoms. Here are some of the symptoms of anemia:
- Weakness or fatigue.
- General malaise.
- Poor concentration.
- Dyspnea or shortness of breath.
- Palpitations.
- Pale skin.
- Jaundice.
- Tachycardia, bounding pulse, flow murmurs and cardiac ventricular hypertrophy.
- Heart failure.
Preventing Anemia With Iron Rich Diet
Here is a diet plan that can help prevent occurrence of anemia.
- Increase Iron intake. Iron is necessary in the production of hemoglobin. Beef liver, oysters, chicken liver, pork liver, turkey, sardines, etc. contain iron that is easily absorbed by the body.However, pregnant women should avoid eating liver since it is rich in Vitamin A that can be harmful to the developing fetus.
- Fruits and vegetables also contain iron, but this type of iron is not easily absorbed by the body. The body needs other foods such as meat and poultry that can help in the absorption of iron from fruits and vegetables. In fact, the darker the meat, the more iron it contains and can help in the absorption of other forms of iron.
- Eat vitamin C rich foods. Vitamin C can also help the body in absorbing iron. Citrus fruits are usually rich in Vitamin C.
- Eat foods rich in vitamin B12. Foods in vitamin B12 include eggs, beef, pork, milk and cheese. Vitamin B12 is also necessary for the production of red blood cells in the bone marrow.
- Increase folate intake. Just like vitamin B12 and iron, folate is needed in the production of red blood cells. Foods rich in folate are melon, egg yolks, avocados, green leafy vegetables, Brussels sprouts, broccoli, wheat germs, and whole wheat grains.
Aside from eating foods that help in the production of red blood cells, it is important too, to avoid foods that cause depletion of iron. Foods such as coffee, tea, red wine, soy products, spinach, chard, sweet potatoes, beet greens and bran cereals are known to deplete iron in the body.
- Related Topics
- Iron Rich Foods List: Iron Rich Food to Fight Anemia
- Iron Rich Food and Diet | Read Food That Contains More Iron
- Anemia In Pregnancy Symptoms: Treatment For Iron Deficiency Anemia
- Ferrous Sulfate Iron Deficiency Anemia: Feosol Iron Supplement Therapy
- Chronic Anemia: Iron Deficiency Anemia Complications And Treatment
